Daytona 500

Gaby Chacon

Story by: Paige Jankowski

On Sunday, Feb. 18, Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Fla. hosted their 60th annual NASCAR Daytona 500 to entertain fans and give an opportunity for the racers to earn the title of 2018 Daytona 500 champion.

“I’m super excited to watch the race in person. I would really like to see Dale Earnhardt Jr. win,” junior Lizzy Flanary said before the race.

The Daytona 500 is a 500-mile stock car race that takes place at Daytona International Speedway. This race is the first and premier race of the season for the Monster Energy NASCAR cup series. Racers Kyle Larson, Kurt Busch, Joey Logano and 39 others have to race around a 2.5 mile Trioval and its 31 degree bank to earn the title of champion.

The race brings in thousands of spectators. According to the Daytona International Speedway web site, “The Daytona 500 has sold out for two-straight years!”

Since this is such a famous race, tickets do sell out quickly, and there is a limited capacity. A two-day package costs $340-$395 and includes the PowerShares QQQ 300, which is a 200-mile annual race taking place a day before the Daytona 500 and the Daytona 500 itself. A four-day package costs $570 and includes the Can-am Duel Next Era Energy Resources 250, which is a 100-lap truck race, PowerShares QQQ 300 and the Daytona 500. You can also purchase the two-day Trioval Club package for $495 as well as the four-day package for $695. These packages include a variety of food and drinks, a bar overlooking the track, premium 21-inch seats and exclusive parking for four-day club members only.